The problem
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured January 21, 2013, through May 10, 2013; and equipped with Wabco Maxxus Brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may be incorrectly torqued, which could result in the bolts loosening.
The risk
The bolts may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate, resulting in the caliper detaching and thus reduced brake effectiveness. Reduced brake effectiveness increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the caliper mounting bolts, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owner's may contact Daimler at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler's recall number is FL-644.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V403000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.